Common Critters That Can Invade Your Crawl Space

Your home is a sanctuary for you, but it can also be an inviting space for various types of wildlife. One of the most vulnerable areas in your home, surprisingly, is the crawl space. Located just under your home, these dark, damp, and secluded spaces are perfect for certain animals seeking shelter. Wildlife invasion in the crawl space can lead to serious damage, health risks, and expensive repairs if not addressed quickly.
Here’s a look at the most common wildlife that may invade your crawl space and what you can do to prevent it.

1. Raccoons

Raccoons are intelligent, adaptable creatures known for their dexterous hands and ability to open almost anything. They can easily tear through weak crawl space vents or damaged access points. Once inside, raccoons can cause damage by ripping up insulation, tearing ducts, and leaving behind droppings that can carry harmful parasites and diseases like leptospirosis.

Signs of a Raccoon Infestation:

• Loud, thumping noises (especially at night)
• Torn ductwork or insulation
• Strong, musty odor

 

Preventing An Infestation:

• Ensure that crawl space doors and vents are secured
• Install raccoon-proof screens or grates over any openings
• Regularly check for signs of damage or entry points

2. Opossums

Opossums are nocturnal creatures often found under homes, especially in crawl spaces. While they’re not particularly aggressive, their presence can lead to significant contamination from droppings and urine. They can also damage ductwork and insulation as they seek warmth.

Signs of an Opossum Infestation:

• Scratching or shuffling noises at night
• Foul odor from droppings or urine
• Disturbed insulation or nesting material

 

Preventing An Infestation:

• Block all potential entry points with durable materials
• Check for gaps in vents, broken foundation screens, or loose doors
• Clear debris around the home to reduce the attraction

3. Mice & Rats

Rodents are some of the most common crawl space invaders. Mice and rats can enter through tiny holes, cracks, or damaged vents. Once inside, they can chew through insulation, wires (which increases fire risks), and pipes. In addition, they reproduce quickly, leading to a growing problem if left unchecked.

Signs of a Rodent Infestation:

• Scratching or scurrying noises in the walls or under the floor
• Droppings around entry points
• Chewed wires or insulation

 

Preventing An Infestation:

• Seal cracks and gaps around your foundation, vents, and any utility pipes
• Use steel mesh or other rodent-proof materials to block entry points
• Keep the crawl space clean and dry, as rodents are drawn to moisture

4. Snakes

Snakes may enter crawl spaces in search of warmth, shelter, or prey like mice and insects. While most snakes are non-venomous, their presence can be unsettling for homeowners, and in some cases, dangerous if venomous species like copperheads or rattlesnakes find their way in.

Signs of a Snake Infestation:

• Shed snake skins
• Slithering noises or sightings around your foundation
• Mysterious droppings that may resemble bird feces 

 

Preventing An Infestation:

• Remove food sources like rodents or insects
• Seal any holes or gaps around the foundation
• Use snake repellents or deterrents around your home’s exterior

5. Skunks

Skunks can occasionally settle in crawl spaces, especially during colder months. Besides their infamous odor, skunks can dig into the ground near your foundation, weakening the structure. They are also carriers of diseases like rabies, making their presence a potential health hazard.

Signs of a Skunk Infestation:

• Strong, pungent smell
• Digging near the foundation of your home
• Tracks or fur near entry points

 

Preventing An Infestation:

• Secure all crawl space openings with metal mesh or strong materials
• Remove any food sources or attractants, such as pet food or open garbage
• Consider installing motion-activated lights to deter skunks

6. Squirrels

Squirrels typically make their way into attics, but they can also find shelter in crawl spaces, especially in urban areas. These critters are notorious for chewing through anything—wood, insulation, and even electrical wiring—which poses a serious risk to your home.

Signs of a Squirrel Infestation:

• Scratching and scampering noises during the day
• Chewed wires, insulation, or beams
• Small piles of food or nesting materials

 

Preventing An Infestation:

• Inspect and repair any damage to crawl space doors and screens
• Trim tree branches that are close to your home to limit access
• Use deterrents like peppermint oil or ultrasonic repellents

7. Bats

Bats are typically found in attics, but they can occasionally inhabit crawl spaces. Bats can be beneficial for insect control, but they also pose health risks due to their droppings (also known as guano), which can harbor fungal spores responsible for histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease.

Signs of a Bat Infestation:

• Squeaking noises or high-pitched sounds
• Dark stains or droppings around entry points
• Guano accumulation in or near the crawl space

 

Preventing An Infestation:

• Install bat-proof screens over vents
• Use one-way exclusion devices to allow bats to leave but not re-enter
• Ensure that all cracks and gaps around the foundation are sealed

8. Insects & Spiders

While larger animals often get the most attention, insects and spiders can also be problematic in crawl spaces. Termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-boring insects can cause structural damage, while spiders (including venomous species like black widows and brown recluses) may pose a bite risk.

Signs of an Insect Infestation:

• Mud tubes or tunnels on wood surfaces (for termites)
• Sawdust-like material around wood structures
• Spider webs, egg sacs, or sightings of insects

 

Preventing An Infestation:

• Use chemical treatments or pest control barriers
• Keep the crawl space dry and ventilated to reduce moisture, which attracts insects
• Regularly inspect for signs of infestation and treat them promptly

How to Protect Your Crawl Space Against Wildlife

Keeping wildlife out of your crawl space is crucial to maintaining the safety and integrity of your home. Here are some general steps to protect your crawl space from intruders:

• Install Barriers: Use mesh or solid barriers to cover vents and other potential entry points.
• Seal Gaps and Cracks: Check for any openings around the foundation, doors, or vents and seal them properly.
• Regular Maintenance: Perform routine inspections of your crawl space to catch signs of damage or invasion early.
• Clear Debris: Keep the area around your crawl space clean and free from piles of leaves, wood, or other materials that might attract animals.
• Consult Professionals: If you suspect a wildlife invasion, it's often best to contact a professional wildlife control service for safe and humane removal.

 

In Conclusion: You Can Keep Wildlife Out Of Your Crawl Space

Wildlife invasions in crawl spaces are more common than most homeowners realize. With the right preventive measures, you can protect your home from these uninvited guests and avoid the damage and health risks they bring. Stay vigilant, seal up entry points, and consult professionals when necessary to keep your home and family safe from wildlife intrusions.

At Frontier Foundation & Crawl Space Repair, we offer FREE, no-obligation inspections and estimates. Contact us today for your quote!